Baked-on grease responds better to dwell time and a surface-safe tool than to brute force. Glass-ceramic, enamel, stainless steel, and other cooktop finishes scratch or stain differently, so identify the material first.
Let the surface cool and remove loose grease
Turn the cooktop off and let it cool as the manufacturer directs. Wipe away crumbs and loose grease first so they do not act like abrasive grit when you start cleaning.
Soften baked-on grease before scraping
Apply a compatible cleaner and allow the specified dwell time. On glass cooktops, use only a scraper approved for that finish and at the recommended angle; improvised tools can leave permanent scratches.
Work in layers instead of attacking one spot
Remove what has softened, wipe away the residue, and repeat if a hard layer remains. Alternating cleaner, dwell time, and gentle removal is usually more effective than adding pressure or abrasive pads.
Remove cleaner residue before reheating
Wipe the cooktop several times with a clean damp cloth, then dry it. Cleaner residue can burn, smell, or leave marks the next time the surface heats.
Sources
- American Cleaning Institute — Cleaning Tips — Household cleaning methods, product use, dosing, and material compatibility.